Tampa Downtown Partnership Receives Approval to Seek Special Service District Expansion to Tampa Heights

TAMPA (February 22, 2018) – On Thursday, February 15, 2018, Tampa Downtown Partnership received approval from City Council to proceed in seeking an expansion of the Special Service District (SSD) into Tampa Heights.

“This first step is a milestone in bringing our services to the businesses and residences of Tampa Heights,” said Lynda Remund, Interim CEO and President of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Tampa Heights is becoming an important gateway into Downtown Tampa with its own eclectic vibe and personality and we are looking forward to bringing our full suite of services to this area just north of Downtown.”

Many property owners and residents were in attendance at the City Council meeting to show their support of the expansion.

“I am thrilled to have Tampa Heights business and property owners earn the recognition from City Council with their positive vote to expand the SSD north to Palm Ave, along Franklin and Tampa Streets, and Florida Ave.,” said Maureen Ayral, property owner of 1701 N Franklin St. in Tampa Heights, home to The Hall on Franklin and the Hip Room Dance Studio. “This is a win for all of the hard work our community has done to preserve and adapt historic buildings, attract restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and retail, as well as young start-up business along the Franklin Street corridor. This City Council vote supports the belief that the Public-Private Partnerships thrive in Tampa, connecting City resources with optimistic individuals and investors who are eager to take risks and create positive change in our neighborhoods.”

The next step in the process is for the Tampa Downtown Partnership to receive approval in August when the organization goes before City Council to renew the SSD, with the expanded Tampa Heights boundaries included.

Upon approval, a non-ad valorem special assessment will be placed on property owners within the new boundaries, and renewed for those already in the SSD boundaries. The assessment is $1.10 per $1,000 in assessed value from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s office. In FY2018, the SSD budget was $2.45 million. The proposed expanded district would add approximately $44,000.

Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, membership based not-for-profit 501(c)(6) comprised of companies, organizations and individuals with a common goal of advancing Tampa’s Downtown. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, the Partnership serves downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, public space activation, planning and beautification.